My Honest China Airlines Review: What it’s Like Flying Economy
China Airlines, not to be confused with Air China is the flagship carrier of Taiwan. China Airlines is a 4-Star Airline according to Skytrax and offers a blend of modern comfort, great service, and connections all over the world. China Airlines flies all around Asia, North America, Europe, and Oceania.
China Airlines has become my go to carrier lately. I’ve flown them around Asia, to Australia and New Zealand, to Germany, and the United States and have had nothing but positive experiences.
Of course, I fly economy and want to write this honest China Airlines review based on my experiences with the airlines. Hopefully this post is helpful if you are debating whether or not to fly with China Airlines.
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Taoyuan International Airport is the main hub and largest airport in Taiwan. Taoyuan opened in 1979 and is the main hub airport for major airlines like China Airlines, EVA Airlines, and Starlux Airlines.
Taoyuan Airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. China Airlines primarily flies out of Terminal 1 but there are some flights that use Terminal 2.
Curious how to spent a layover at Taoyuan International Airport? I have a dedicated post on What to do at Taoyuan International Airport During a Layover.
About China Airlines
China Airlines is the national carrier of Taiwan and its headquarters are located at Taoyuan International Airport.
Again, not to be confused with Air China, which is a major Chinese airline headquartered in Beijing, China.
According to the airline website, China Airlines was founded in 1959. Today China Airlines is one of Asia’s most popular airlines with over 1,400 flights a week to over 100 destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania.
China Airlines is a SkyTeam Airline Alliance member which allows passengers global connectivity and access to partner airline networks and benefits.
On Skytrax, China Airline is a certified 4-Star Airline. This is something I really pay attention to when choosing which airlines to fly. I typically only pick 4 and 5 star certified airlines based on safety, quality, and service.
China Airlines has a relatively new fleet that includes Boeing 777s and the Airbus A350s.
For shorter flights like from Okinawa to Taiwan, I’ve flown Air China’s Airbus A321neo.
Longer flights, I’ve flown Air China’s Airbus A350-900 to Brisbane, Australia. I’ve also flown with the Boeing 777-300ER to Taipei from LAX.
I’ve also flown their Airbus A330-300 and Boeing 737-800.
China Airlines Review
My China Airlines review is based on my personal experience flying with the carrier. I’ve flown with China Airlines around the world and always sit in economy, because of budget.
So this review is solely based on my experience flying in economy with China Airlines. I’ll go over some of the basics like check-in experiences, thoughts on food, comfort, and what it’s like flying with China Airlines on short and long flights.
For specific questions regarding the airline or to learn more about China Airlines, I recommend visiting their website.
Check-in
You should already have your flight booked through the China Airlines website.
About 48 hours prior to departure, you will receive an online check-in email. I recommend checking in online, it makes things easier the day of the actual flight. All your information is already logged in and ready to go!
Like any international trip, I arrive at the airport a minimum of 2 hours prior to departure.
I’ve checked in at the China Airlines counter in many cities and countries around the world, from Kaohsiung to Brisbane. Honestly, I’ve never had an issue with check in through China Airlines. The staff is always professional and polite.
Short Flights
I fly often between Naha, Okinawa and Taipei, Taiwan. The flight is anywhere from 50 minutes to 1.5 hours. I’d say I am always impressed with China Airlines efficiency and the fact that they are always on time.
For shorter flights, the aircraft is usually an Airbus A330-300 or a Boeing 737-800.
Even short flights, the aircraft is spacious and the seats are large with plentiful leg room.
Even though the flight is short, you even get a meal onboard the flight. It’s smaller but I enjoy it. I’ll talk more on food later in the post.
Long Flights
I’ve flown with China Airlines from Taipei to Germany, Taipei to Australia, and Taipei to the United States.
The Taipei to Europe and Taipei to the United States are especially long, about 14 hours.
On the long haul flights with China Airlines, I’ve flown their Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 777-300ER. I really don’t have a preference between the Airbus or Boeing as they are both exciting to fly with.
I always try and book the aisle seat. It just gives me that freedom to get up whenever I want without bothering the passenger next to me.
The seats on the Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 777-300ER are wide and comfortable. I usually have enough leg room as I store my carry on in the overhead bins.
Long flights with China Airlines are comfortable, I’ve never encountered any issues.
The flight attendants come around often and outside of meal services they offer water and other beverages.
One of my only complaints about China Airlines on their long flights are the bathrooms. The bathrooms are cramped and do not get cleaned as regularly as other airlines do.
Seating and Entertainment
Seating and entertainment for my China Airlines review will be primarily for the long haul flights. Some of the shorter flights do have a small tv but it’s barely even worth turning on.
For the longer flights, you can view the in-flight entertainment on the China Airlines website.
There is a wide range of movies both old and new, tv shows, games, and music right in front of you. I think for Economy, the tv has a 10″ screen.
Each seat has a USB port so you can charge all your devices.
The seats are spacious. As spacious as it can be for an economy seat with an airline.
The seats have adjustable headrests, a literature pocket, personal tv screen, and USB ports.
For long flights, you will get a blanket and pillow. If you need one regardless of a long or short flight, you can always ask the flight attendant for a pillow or blanket and they will gladly provide you with one.
Food
I might be one of the only people that actually likes airplane food. It’s fun, gives me something to look forward to, and honestly airplane food isn’t that bad.
Since this is a China Airlines review, I think their food is just ok. Honestly, I find the short flights between Okinawa and Taipei have more authentic Taiwanese food then their long haul flights.
The Okinawa to Taipei flights serve small meals, even though it’s only an hour flight. The food comes in a small box with a drink and small snack.
The food on this route usually represents Taiwan well. Many of the meals use traditional spices and flavors. My last meal even had a Taiwanese Tea Egg, which I love.
On the long flights, the meals are pretty standard, no different then any other airline. You get two options for dinner, usually chicken or beef with rice, a roll, fruits/vegetables, and a small dish that is always different.
For breakfast, there is usually a western option with eggs and chicken sausage. There is also a Taiwanese option that comes with meat and rice.
Questions About China Airlines
Is China Airlines Safe?
Yes, China Airlines is safe. Thy have significantly improved their safety over the last few decades. They are rated a 4-Star Airline by Skytrax.
Is there Wi-Fi on board China Airlines?
China Airlines does offer Wi-Fi services. I never use it, so I can’t go into to much detail. I recommend reviewing China Airlines Wi-Fi Onboard page.
Conclusion
From my experience, China Airlines offers a reliable, comfortable, and stress free travel experience. From its easy check in process to the modern fleet and in flight entertainment, China Airlines definitely wins my customer satisfaction.
This China Airlines review is strictly based on my experience with flying China Airlines. From flying to Brisbane and New Zealand to Germany and throughout Asia, I’ve had nothing but positive experiences flying with China Airlines.
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